Beverage dispensing apparatus



Oct. 20, 1953 H. H. HAMLIN 2,655,853

BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS Fil ad June 16, 1948 '7 Sheets-Sheet l IN V EN TOR.

Oct. 20, 1953 H. H. HAMLIN 2,655,353

BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed June 16, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 16, 1948 INVENTOR.

Oct. 20, 1953 H. H. HAMLIN 2,655,858

BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed June 16, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR.

Oct. 20, 1953 H. H. HAMLIN 2,655,858

BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed June 16, 1948 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 I 2418 l lbw 'T" r- I 3 I "330 I we 232, I I

362 3: 4 a a g A119 INVENTOR.

Oct. 20, 1953 H. H. HAMLIN 2,655,858

BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed June 16, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 IN V EN TOR Oct. 20, 1953 H. H. HAMLIN BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed June 16, 1948 IN VEN TOR.

xotzw z5u :EFwEEi SEEEOEMQ mpsuwum Z50 Patented Oct. 20, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 18 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a beverage dispensing apparatus and more particularly to an apparatus for dispensing carbonated beverages comprising a mixture of a flavoring syrup and carbonated water.

It is an object of this invention to provide a dispensing apparatus, operable through a cycle, for accurately measuring the desired amounts of syrup and carbonated water and discharging the syrup and carbonated water through a discharge mixing nozzle.

Another object of this invention is to provide a dispensing apparatus wherein the syrup and carbonated Water measuring and dispensing mechanism is operated by the pressure of the fluids handled by the apparatus.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved carbonator which requires no outside source of power for injecting the relatively low pressure make-up water into the carbonator.

A further object of this invention is to provide a carbonator capable of maintaining and supplying carbonated Water having the desired degree of carbonation.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved type of carbonator which is small and at the same time highly eflicient and capable of effectively c-arbonating a large quantity of water in a short period of time.

A further object of this invention is to provide a carbonator capable of maintaining a uniform degree of carbonation irrespective of the rate at which the carbonated water is withdrawn from the carbonator.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the construction of the valve and valve operating mechanism;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional View partly diagrammatic showing the general construction and arrangement of the carbonator and beverage I dispensing apparatus;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view showing the arrangement of the beverage dispensing valve during the beverage dispensing period;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the subassembly which includes the coin chute and a number of the control switches;

Figure 8 is a sectional View showing somewhat diagrammatically the construction of the valve;

Figure 9 is a view taken on line 9-9 of Figiure8;

mechanism shown in Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a view somewhat similar to Fi ure 12 but showing an alternative form of ice probing mechanism which may be substituted for the mechanism. shown in Figures 12 and 13; and

Figure 15 is a schematic circuit diagram. Whereas the apparatus set forth herein is pri- Y marily intended for use in preparing, refrigerat- A further object of this invention is to provide a beverage dispensing machine incorporating a fully automatic carbonator and beverage dispensing mechanism.

Another object of this invention is to provide a beverage dispensing and carbonator arrange ment including a practical construction for maintaining the ingredients properly refrigerated.

Other objects and advantages reside in the construction of parts, the combination thereof and the mode of operation, as will become more apparent from the following description.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view showing the general arrangement of the parts in a preferred embodiment of my invention;

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view substantially on line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the main cabinet;

ing and dispensing carbonated types of beverages, it will be understood that certain aspects of the invention are equally applicable to dispensing other types of beverages, and, in fact, certain features of the invention, such as the refrigeration control features, are applicable to systems other than those involving the dispensing of beverages.

Cabinet and refrigerating apparatus Referring to the drawings wherein I have shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, reference numeral 20 designates a sheet metal cabinet within which there is provided a refriger- 3 in direct thermal exchange relationship with the walls of the inner tank. Suitable insulating material 32 is provided between the inner tank and the outer tank so as to maintain the heat leakage into the tank from the outside atmosphere at a minimum.

Refrigerant liquifying means disposed within the lower portion of. the cabinet 29 serves to supply liquid refrigerant to the evaporator 30 through a fixed restrictor type of ressure reducing device 3 3. The refrigerant liquifying appa. ratus preferably comprises a sealed motor compressor unit 36 which is supported on the bottom wall 38 of the cabinet 20. The low pressure. re frigerant vapor leaving the evaporator 30 is supplied to the compressor unit through thesuction or return line 40. The compressed refrigerant vapor leaves the compressor unit through the line 42 which conveys the high pressure refrigerant vapor into a conventional condenser 14 which is also located within the lower portion of, the cabinet 20, as shown. The liquid refrigerant leaving the condenser 44' flows into the refrigerant receiver 4'5 from whence the high pressure liquid refrigerant feeds into the evaporator through the pressure reducing device 34. Whereas the device 34 preferably comprises a fixed restrictor type of on the walls of the tank has reached the maximum desired thickness and, if so, serves to shut off the compressor motor so as to discontinue further operation of the refrigerating system until some subsequent probing operation indicates the thickness of the ice has decreased to a point where the refrigerating system should start operating, so as. to. again supply refrigeration. By virtue of such a construction, a considerable amount of refrigeration may be stored during slack periods for use during busy periods.

A water agitator 6B driven by an electric motor (i2 has been provided for agitating the water within the water tank. For purposes of illustratin the invention, there is shown an agitator which operates only when a drink is being dispensed, whereas the agitation could be continuous. Since agitation is not particularly necessary when drinks are. not being dispensed, the motor 6% has been connected in the circuit so as to operate only when the apparatus is in the process of dispensing a drink. The circuit for controlling themotor 62' will be described more control, one could use any conventional type of control, such as a thermostatic expansion valve.

For purposes of illustration, I have shown an arrangement in which a motor driven fan 50 has been provided for forcefully circulating air in thermal exchange with the condenser. denser cooling air may be introduced into the condenser compartment through any suitably arranged openings, such as the openings 52 provided in the bottom wall 38. Air leaving the condenser may be discharged to the outside through an opening 54 provided in the back or side wall of the cabinet 20. The locations of the openings 52 and 55 may be varied without departing from the spirit of my invention.

The amount of refrigeration required to prop- I erly cool the total quantity of beverage dispensed over a long period of time is not very great, but there will be peak demand periods when the machine will be called upon to dispense a large amount of beverage in a short period of time and for that reason it is desirable to provide some means whereby a small capacity refrigerating system can be used to store up refrigeration capacity during the minimum demand periods for use during peak demand periods. By providing a highly efficient low capacity refrigerating system in combination with an efiicient and effective refrigerant hold-over system, it is possible to provide adequate and efficient refrigeration for cooling the beverage under all demanded conditions.

In the embodiment shown, hold-over refrigeration capacity is provided to take care of peak demand periods by allowing a portion of the water maintained in the tank 22 to be converted into ice during minimum demand periods. Thus ice is permitted to form on the inner surface of the water tank during off periods and at any time when the refrigeration capacity exceeds the refrigeration demands. With a spacing of approximately 3%" between the water coil 56 and the surrounding tank wall, it is practical to allow the ice to accumulate on the wall of the tank to a thickness of approximately 1 An ice probing mechanism 58, which will be described more fully hereinafter, serves to periodically probe to find out if the acc mu at on 0f ce The confully hereinafter in connection with the description of. the electrical controls.

An air' circulating. fan 6d,. driven by the motor 52, may be used to circulate a small quantity of air from the space above the water in the tank 25 into the hood 65. The hood $5 rests on the top Wall 68 of the cabinet 20 and serves to house thesyrup supply, the coin control mechanism, and the beverage dispensing valve mechanism to be described more fully hereinafter. Thus the single motor 62 serves the dual purpose of agitating the water in. the cooling tank and circulating cool air in thermal exchange with the syrup supply and the liquid handling apparatus in the hood 66.

carbonator and dispensing mechanism Referring now to Figure 5 of the drawings wherein the carbonator and the beverage dispensing apparatus are shown in section, reference numeral designates a support which is adapted to rest on top of the water tank assembly 22 in a manner to cause the carbonator and its associated parts to project down into the water tank so as to be refrigerated thereby. Reference numeral 82 designates the main carbonator tank or housing and reference numerals 84 and 86 designate respectively the water and syrup measuring cylinders. In most installations the carbonator utilizes ordinary city water which is first carbonated and thereafter mixed with syrup which adds flavor to the carbonated water.

The carbonator tank 82 is connected to a supply of CO2 gas through a conventional pressure regulating valve and gauge 39 which controls the flow of CO2 gas to the carbonator from the supply tank I32 which may be stored in one corner of the housing 20, as shown in Figure 2. Thus, whenever the pressure within the carbonator falls below the desired pressure, such as lbs., an additional quantity of CO2 gas will feed into the lower portion of the carbonator tank 82.

One of the problems in designing a carbonator is that of providing suitable means for injecting the low pressure water coming from the city mains or any other suitable low pressure water supply into the high pressure carbonator tank. The injection of the uncarbonated water must take place without materially disturbing the degree of carbonation of the carbonated water dispensed by the machine. Furthermore, in dispensing the beverage, it is imperative that the ratio of syrup to carbonated water be maintained constant at all times.

Various arrangements have been devised for injecting the low pressure water into the carbonator and for measuring the desired quantities of water and syrup to be dispensed, but in all of the prior art devices it has been necessary to use special injectors or other expensive and troublesome apparatus without always obtaining a drink of uniform composition. By using the apparatus shown in Figure 5, it is possible to maintain a constant supply of properly carbonated water at all times and to utilize the pressure of the carbonated Water and gas for injecting the low pres-- sure city water into the high pressure carbonator tank and also use the low pressure of the incoming water for forcing measured quantities of carbonated Water and syrup through the beverage dispensing nozzle I20.

As best shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, low pressure water from any suitable source, such as the city mains or the like, is supplied to the device through the water supply line which leads to a booster pump 92 driven by an electric motor 04. The outlet of the pump 92 is connected to the inlet of the water cooling coil 56 disposed within the tank 26. In those localities where one can depend upon an adequate supply of city water at a pressure in excess of 40 lbs. per square inch, the water pump 92 may be eliminated, in which case the incoming water line 00 would be directly connected to the inlet of the water cooling coil 56. A check valve 03 is provided in the water line 90 so as to prevent the reverse flow of Water in the line 90 during the injection process.

The outlet of the water cooling coil 56 is connected to the bottom end of the water measuring cylinder 84 (see Figure 5) by means of the water passage 06 which enters the bottom of the water measuring cylinder 84. A water piston or impeller I00 is mounted for reciprocation Within the water cylinder 84 and has connected thereto a depending hollow piston rod I02 which is directly connected to a syrup piston or impeller I04 which in turn reciprocates within the syrup cylinder B6 in unison with the water piston I00.

As shown in Figure 5, the construction and arrangement of the pistons I00 and I04 and the parts associated therewith is such that the various exposed areas of the pistons subjected to pressure makes it possible to make use of the pressure differences existing within the system to operate the pistons up and down, the arrangement being such that as the pistons move downwardly, measured quantities of carbonated water and syrup are sucked into the measuring chambers 84 and 36 respectively, and as these pistons move upwardly in response to a change in the setting of valve I64, so as to change the balance of pressures acting on the pistons, the measured quantities of carbonated water and syrup are dispensed through the nozzle I20 and into a cup or other container. The pistons I00 and I04 are forced downwardly in response to introduction of high pressure carbonated water into the upper end of the water measuring cylinder and forced upwardly by the low pressure water entering the bottom of the cylinder when the upper end of the measuring cylinder is connected to the dispensing faucet instead of the carbonator tank, as will be explained hereinafter.

A syrup supply line I06 is provided for conveying syrup from the syrup feed device or reservoir I08 into the upper end of the syrup chamber 86, The reservoir I08 is disposed within the hood 66 located on top of the cabinet 20. The syrup feed device I08 includes a check valve II 0 (see Figure 11) which allows syrup to flow from I08 through the line I06 into the upper end of the syrup measuring cylinder 86 during the down stroke of the piston I04 but prevents the return flow of syrup during the upward stroke of the piston I04. At the piston I04 moves downwardly, it will cause the space above the piston I04 to be filled with a measured quantity of syrup from the syrup feed device I08, and as the piston I04 moves upwardly, the measured quantity of syrup will be discharged through the outlet passage II2 which connects to the outgoing syrup line I I4 in which there is provided a check valve II6 which allows syrup to flow out through the line H0 into the dispensing nozzle I20 but does not allow the return flow of syrup or air.

As the syrup measuring cylinder 86 becomes filled with syrup, the upper end of the water measuring cylinder 84 becomes filled with carbonated water whereby subsequent upward movement of the pistons I04 and I00 causes measured quantities of carbonated water and syrup to be dispensed.

Each time a measured quantity of carbonated water is dispensed, a corresponding quantity of relatively low pressure Water from the water measuring chamber 84 is injected into the carbonator through the passage I34 provided in the piston I00. The outlet of the passage I34 communicates with the hollow extension I36 provided at the upper end of the piston I00. The extension I36 moves with the piston I00 and includes a poppet valve I30 at its upper end which is normally biased to the closed position by means of a spring I40 which has its bottom end attached to the cross-pin I42 anchored in the side walls of the member I36 and has its upper end attached to the poppet valve I30. A sealing gasket I44 is carried by the poppet valve I38, so as to prevent the leakage of high pressure gas past the valve I33. The gasket I44 may be of any suitable construction, although it is preferred to use an O ring type of gasket.

It will be noted that the upper surface of the poppet valve I38, as well as the upper exposed surface of the member I36, is subjected at all times to a pressure corresponding to the pressure within the carbonator 82 and that this pressure is at all times opposed by the atmospheric pressure acting on the bottom of piston I04 plus the pressure of the water entering the bottom of the cylinder 84. Movement of the pistons is produced by varying the pressure in the upper end of cylinder 84. For this purpose a vertically ex-- tending pipe I58 has been provided in the carbonator tank 82 which has an inlet opening I60 .adjacent its bottom and which has its upper end connected to a pipe I62 leading to a multiple passage valve I64 diagrammatically shown in Figures 5 and 6. In Figure 5, the valve has been shown in that position in which the high pressure carbonated water coming from the car- I64 into line I66 which connects with the vertically extending pipe I60 leading to the upper end of the chamber 04 at a point above the piston I00. With the valve I6 in the position in which it is shown in Figure 5, the high pressure carbonated water acting on the upper exposed surface of the piston E00, combined with the gas pressure acting on the spray head I 38 and transmitted b the piston shaft 536, is sufficient to force the pistons I 00 and I04 downwardly against any pressures which may be tending to force the pistons upwardly. Because of the check valve 93 in the water line 90. the low pressure water below the piston I in the cylinder or chamber 84 has no way of escaping from the cylinder except to be forced upwardly through the passage I34 and out through the poppet valve I38 into the upper end of the carbonator 82.

In view of the above described construction, when the valve I64 occupies the position in which it is shown in Figure 5, the upper exposed surface of the piston I04 is subjected to an almost negligible pressure which is determined by the pressure in the syrup supply line I06 and the upper exposed surface of the piston portion I00 is subjected to the 125 1b. pressure maintained within the carbonator 82. The 125 lb. pressure acting on the exposed upper end of the piston I00 plus the 125 lb. pressure acting on the upper end of the poppet valve assembly I38 is sufilcient to overcome the combined pressures tending to force the piston assembly upwardly, with the result that the 40 lb. water in the chamber 84 will be forcefully injected into the carbonator through the poppet valve I38. The construction and arrangement of the poppet valve I38 is such that the injected water is sprayed into the CO2 gas occupying the upper portion of the carbonator 82.

One of the advantages of the carbonator construction shown is that the quantity of carbonated water in the carbonator is substantially constant at all times, since for each cup of carbonated water drawn oil, a corresponding amount of make-up water is sprayed into the upper portion of the carbonator chamber 82. Another advantage of the arrangement shown is that the incoming make-up water is refrigerated as it passes through the water cooling coil 56 and before it is mixed with the main carbonated water supply. Furthermore, the carbonator apparatus and its associated parts are all kept chilled by virtue of the fact that they are all submerged in the cold water bath. If at any time a large number of drinks should be served in such rapid succession so that the incoming make-up water being injected into the carbonator would not have time to be fully cooled before entering the carbonator tank 82, the spraying of this water against the refrigerated walls of the carbonator tank 82 would help to further cool the water. A conventional cup dispensing mechanism (not shown) may be provided within the cabinet 20 for dispensing cups out through the small door I" at the front of the cabinet, as shown in Figure 3. The door I1I is normally held closed by the solenoid I13 which only allows the door to be opened after a coin has been inserted in the slot I80, as will be explained more fully hereinafter.

In tracing the path of the water coming from the city mains and finally ending up in a drinking cup, the water first passes through the pump 92 which delivers the water into the water cooling coil 56 from whence the water flows through the passage 96 into the lower side of the piston I00 from whence the water is forced upwardly through the passage I34 and against the valve I38, so as to open this valve. The water is then sprayed into the CO2 gas in the upper portion of the carbonator 82 from whence it enters the aperture I60 adjacent the bottom end of the pipe I58 Which conveys the high pressure water to the valve I64 and thence into the line I66, so as to fill the upper end of the measuring cylinder 84 from whence the carbonated water returns through the line I66 to the valve I64 which then directs th water into the nozzle I20 and into the drinking cup.

For the purposes of illustration, I have shown a bleeder valve I12 which m y be used for bleed ing air, CO2 gas or water from the carbonator 82, such as when the apparatus is first placed into operation. The bleeder valve I12 includes an operator I14 which projects above the support 80, as shown in Figure 5. This bleeder valve is located approximately two inches from the bottom of the tank 82 and coincides with the preferred water level within the carbonator 82. It has been found that a carbonator having a diameter of approximately four inches is adequate when constructed as shown, whereby it is apparent that only a small amount of carbonated water is maintained in the carbonator 82 at any time.

The valve I64, which has been diagrammatically shown in Figures 5 and 6, is shown in greater detail in Figures 4, 8, 9 and 10. Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, it will be noted that the valve I64 is operated by an electric motor I16 which drives the valve through a gear reduction mechanism I18. The motor I16 is adapted to be energized in response to insertion of a coin in the coin slot I and will rotate the valve one complete revolution for each coin properly inserted, as will be explained more fully hereinafter. Suitable cam means I82 is provided on the shaft which connects the gear reduction mechanism I18 and the valve I64 for operating a pair of micro-switches I84 and I86 which are used for controlling the motor circuit and indirectly other portions of the apparatus.

Asbest shown in Figure 8, the stationary valve houslng comprises a series of plate-like members or sections I90, 202, 206 and 201 having suitable fluid passages formed therein. The fiow of carbonated water is controlled by the motor operated valve element I02 which is the only movable part of the valve. The syrup enters the valve housing at the central rear portion of the housing element 206 and immediately leaves through the passages 2I8 and 2I6 without contacting the movable portions of the valve. Reference numeral I90 designates that portion of the stationary valve housing within which the rotatable flow directing valve element I92 is mounted. As indicated in Figure 9 of the drawings, the valve element I82 is provided with a first circular passage I 94 passing through the horizontally disposed fiange portion of the valve. The bottom surface of the element I92 has a cutaway portion I96 which includes a central portion I98 arranged in registry at all times with the carbonated water outlet passage 200 provided in the valve housing section 202. The outer part of the cutaway portion I96 is arranged to register with the passage 264 in the valve housing section 202 throughout approximately one-half of one complete revolution of the valve element I92, so as to direct the incoming high pressure carbonated water into the return line I66. The valve housing section 206 is provided with a first passage 208 which is at all times connected to the high pressure carbonated water feed line I 62 and a second passage 2I0 which is at all times connected to the carbonated water line I66 which conveys carbonated water to the carbonated water measuring chamber 84 during one portion of the cycle of operation and then returns the same carbonated water to the valve during the dispensing portion of the cycle. The passag e 208 is also connected to the passage 2I2 which conveys the high pressure carbonated water coming from the carbonator to the space above the movable valve element I92. In Figure 8, the valve element I92 has been shown arranged so as to direct the high pressure carbonated water down through the passage I94 and into the passages 204 and 2H] which connect with the water line I66. Thus Figure 8 shows the valve in the same position in which it is diagrammatically shown in Figure 5 of the drawings.

By rotating the movable valve element I92 so as to move the passage I94 out of registry with the passage 204, the cutaway portion I96 will come into registry with the passage 204, with the result that the carbonated water in the measuring chamber 84 will be free to return to the valve via the pipe I66 to be dispensed. The returning Water flows through the passages 2I0, 204, the cutaway portions I96 and I98, the passage 200 and then out through the passages 2 I 4 which cause the carbonated water to be discharged through the dispensing nozzle generally designated by the reference character I20. The carbonated water will continue to flow out through the above-mentioned passages throughout approximately a full one-half revolution of the valve element I92, after which the flow path will be interrupted for approximately a quarter of a turn until the port I94 returns into registry with the passage 204.

It will be noted that the syrup is mixed with the carbonated water at the very outlet of the nozzle I20. A baffle 220 has been provided in the nozzle, so as to improve the flow characteristics of the nozzle. This bafiie 220 is provided with a series of passages 222 adjacent its upper end through which CO2 gas and/or carbonated water is free to pass from the interior of the bafile 220 to the space between the bafiie 220 and the surrounding shroud or nozzle proper I20.

Syrup feed mechanism The syrup used in making the beverage comes in tin cans (not shown) which are adapted to have a hole pierced in the bottom thereof by means of the can piercing device 224 which projects upwardly from the syrup feed reservoir I08. Gasket means 226 is arranged to engage the bottom wall of the syrup can, so as to prevent leakage of the syrup after the can has been pierced. A plurality of syrup feed apertures 228 are provided in the syrup can piercing device 224 for feeding the syrup downwardly into the syrup feed receptacle I08. A central syrup feed member 230 has been provided which incorporates the check valve H0 and includes a plurality of side apertures 232 which communicate with the syrup in the syrup reservoir or chamber I08, as shown in Figure 11. The arrangement of the openings 232 and the openings 228 is such that syrup will drain from the can into the receptacle I08 to a level approximately corresponding to the upper edge of the side openings 232. As syrup is withdrawn from the reservoir I08 by the dispensing apparatus, the syrup level in the reservoir drops below the upper portions of the openings 232, with the result that air is allowed to enter the openings 232 and find its way into the syrup can, so as to allow a corresponding amount of syrup to drain from the can into the reservoir. When the openings 232 become submerged, the flow of air to the syrup can stops and this stops further flow of syrup from the can into the receptacle I08.

A drink counter and signal mechanism has been provided for counting the number of drinks dispensed by the apparatus and for energizing the light 234 (located on the front panel of the hood 66, as shown in Figure 3) when the syrup can needs replacement. The counter mechanism includes a rotatable disc 244 (see Figure '7) operated by the pawl mechanism 242 which reciprocates in response to movement of the water and syrup measuring pistons I00 and I04.

Referring now to Figures 1, 5 and 7, it will be observed that a pivoted lever 236 is pivotally supported adjacent the bottom end of the syrup measuring cylinder 86 and is adapted to be operated by the downwardly projecting pin carried by the piston I04. Thus, each time the piston I04 moves downwardly in the process of dispensing a drink, the pin 238 will engage the one end of the lever 235, so as to push upwardly on the counter actuating rod 240 which has its upper end arranged as shown in Figure 7 to reciprocate the pawl mechanism 242.

The upper end of the mechanism 242 is provided with a projecting finger or pawl, as shown, which engages the teeth or notches provided on the periphery of the disc 244. The disc 244 is rotatably supported on the electric subassembly frame 245 by means of a screw or pivot 246. The arrangement is such that the disc 244 is stepped around one notch for each drink dispensed. Suitable calibrations 248 are provided on the disc 244, so as to indicate at any time the number of drinks which may still be dispensed from a given syrup can before it is necessary to replace the can.

A switch operating pin 250 is carried by the disc 244 and is adapted to engage the actuator for the switch 252, so as to close the circuit to the signal light 234 and so as to open the circuit to the coin rejecter solenoid 254 (see Figure 15) which forms a part of the coin chute mechanism. Thus, when the syrup can needs replacement, the solenoid 254 serves to reject any coins which may be inserted in the machine after the syrup supply has been exhausted and. before a new can of syrup has been inserted. When a new can of syrup is mounted in place, the operator resets the counter mechanism, so as to turn off the signal light 234 and reestablish the circuit leading to the onelead of the coin rejecter solenoid 254.

Reciprocation of the rod 240 in response to downward movement of the piston I04 also serves to close the switch 256 which is arranged in series with the coin rejecter solenoid 254, as shown in Figure 15, so as to prevent the acceptance of coins when the dispenser is in the process of dispensing a. drink. It will be noted that the ratchet mechanism 242 is pivotally supported on the operator 258 for the switch 255 and has its upper end or ratchet end biased into engagement with the notches on the disc 244 by the coil spring 250 which has its one end secured to the upper end of the ratchet mechanism 242 and has its other end anchored to the frame 245.

Referring now to Figure '7 of the drawings wherein I have shown a conventional coin chute, the construction of which forms no part of this invention except for its relationship to the electrical controls shown in Figure 15, it will be noted that the chute is supported on the subassembly frame 245, which in turn is removably supported on the back side of the upwardly extending panel 282 (see Figure 1) which also serves to support the dispensing valve I64 and the valve operating motor I16. By mounting all of the essential parts of the electrical control system on the subassembly frame 245, the problem of replacing attests ll the electri al ontr ls the ven of any iunction is greatly simplified. The main disnensing l e and valve atin m chanism of Figure 4 constitutes another subassembly which is likewise readily removable as a unit merely by removing the screws 264 (see Figure 1 and then lifting the valve operating mechanism as a unit. The valve subassembly includes the quickly detachable type of fluid connections 236 and 288 which are of conventional design and removably fit onto the carbonated water and syrup lines in order to facilitate the quick and easy removal of the dispensing valve subassembly. It will also be noted that the electrical connections to the motor and the switches forming a part of the valve subassembly terminate in a plug 290 whichis adapted to be plugged into the socket 232 on the electrical subassemblymounted immediately to the rear of the valve subassembly. The electrical subassernbly is provided with a flexible cord terminating in a plug 369 which connects the electrical subassen bly to a junction box 364 (see Figure 15) which may be located in any convenient location within the main cabinet 20.

Ice. pro in me hanism Referring now to. Figure 15. wherein the. electrical circuit, has been shown, referencev numerals 3 09 and 3M designate the'main power l nes. which are. used in supplying, power (preferably alterhating current at 110 volts)v for operating the various controls. Reference numerals, 302 and 3(14' designate the compressor motor and condenser fan mot r respectively of the refrigerating system. Th se. motors are controll d by the switch 30. shown n. Fi ures 1. 1.2. a d 13. The switch. 30.6 is. operate by n ice probing mechawh h c mprises a m in sup ort or hou 3.0.8 which. is. secured to a ho low supp r ing memher 313. which projects, through the wall of the ma nwater ta k.- T emember 310. slidably supports a. Slide, member 3.l.2 which is pivotally connected. atit o ter. en o n ce prob r M wh ch htQiQ tS. down. into... the. water bath, between the water coil 6,3 and the wall of the water tank. 26. The ice prober is pivoted at 3I6. on a bracket 31! arr ed by he. member 3.10.. The inner. end of the reciprocatin rod 312 is connected to. a. relatively coil. spring 3.1. which has, its one. end anch red to a st nary pin 32.0 carried. bythe hous n 308'. A continuously running motor or lo k mechanism 22'. is carried. by the housing .48. and. a ses continuous. rotation of. a, cam linger 324 wmch. is adapted. o be, driven at arate o ne re ut n er our. This cam. is. arranged to periodically engage the. lever 326 which as ts upp r. end. p vot llx s ured tothe reci roeating rod element 312 at 328.. The, lower end of; h e er 326. s p vo a ca ed by a pin 3.3.0 whic in rn. is ed y the. upper end of: the lever 332 mounted to pivot about the, stationary pin 334. fixed to the housing 308. A relatively strong spring 336, having its one end anchored to. the stationary pin 338. and having its other end secured to thepivot pin 33ll, normally holds the lever. 332- at, rest against the. stationary stop 34ft fixed to the housing 308'. By virtue of this arrangement, as the cam 32'4 rotates. into en.- gagement with-the upper end of the lever 326, the lower end of the lever 32 6. normally remains stationary and the upper end serves to push the rod 312' inwardly, with the result that the lower end of the ice prober 314 moves toward the wall of the water tank. However, if the amount of moon the wall of the water tank exceeds apre- 1-2 determined thicknesssuch as 1%", so as to interfere with pivotal) movement of the ice prober 314, the. upper end of the lever 326 will thus be prevented from moving, with the result that the lower end of the lever 326, together with the upper end of lever 332, will move and will cause the adjustable switch operating member 342 carried thereby to move to the right, as viewed in Figure 13, so as to engage the switch operator 344 which then opens the circuit to the compressor motor 302 and the condenser fan motor 8.04.

A pivoted latch 346 will serve to hold the switch operating lever 344 in the circuit breaking position even after the cam 324 moves out of engagement with the lever 326 and after the switch operating member 342 moves away from the member 343. The compressor motor thus remains deenergized continuously until the latch 346 disengages the operator 344 in response to movement of the latch releasing member 348' to the right a distance sufficient to release the latch during a subsequent ice probing operation after the thickness of ice on the receptacle indicates the desirability of again supplying refrigeration. However, so long as an adequate ice coating remains on the wall: of the tank, the rod 3l2" will be prevented from reciprocating far enough to move the latch out of latching position. A spring 350 normally biases the latch into latching position and a stationary stop 35! limits the movement of the upper end of the lever 326 to the left, asviewed in'Figu-re 13.

In Figure 12 of the drawings, I have shown an alternative type of ice probing mechanism which also includes an ice probe operating cam 354 which is driven by a continuously rotating motor shaft 358 through a slip connection 356 arranged between the motor shaft 358 and the cam 354, so that if the ice prober 364 is stopped in its movement by an excessive accumulation of ice, the cam 3.5.4, will slip relative to the shaft 358 and will be prevented from completing its revolution until enough ice has melted to allow the prober tomove, so astopermit the cam to continue in its operation. The motor circuit is controlled by the pin 362 which, inthe absence of an excess accumulation of ice, momentarily opens the circuit to the compressormotor once during each revolution of the cam for a period corresponding tothe time required; for the 362 to clear the switch operator 344. However, if the accumulation of ice prevents the free rotation of the cam- 354', the switch 336 will be held closed fora period: of time corresponding to the length of time required for the ice on the wall of the water tank to; melt sufficiently to allow thelcam to continue inits movement.

Electrical. circuit Again referringto the circuit diagram shown in Figure L5 or the; drawings, reference numerals 364; and 369 designate a junction box and plug respectively which serve to connect the electrical apparatus carried by thesubassembly 245 shown in Figure '7' to the main power'l'ines' and; the rest of the electrical circuit. The main power lines have been shown in heavy l nes, soas to distinguish the wires which are alive at all timesfrom those which are alive only at certain times. It will be notedthatin addition tothe main power lines 300 and 301 there is provided a third line 310; leading to thewater pump: motor" 94 the agitator-motor 62 and the faucet or va-lvemotor 1:16. I Gurrent will? flow through. theline 330 only at such times when a coin has been inserted into the coin chute so as to initiate operation of the drink dispensing mechanism by setting up the various control relays, as will now be explained. Insertion of a coin in the coin chute closes the switch 312 which then closes the circuit from the power line through the coin relay 314, the switch I84, and then to the other power line 361 Energization of the relay 3 moves the contactors 316 and 318 down. Downward movement of the contactor 318 closes the circuit through the contact 380, so as to directly energize the coin relay 314 through the holding circuit which includes the branch conductor 382. Downward movement of the contactor 318 breaks the circuit to the conductor 384 which is arranged in circuit with the piston operated limit switch 256 and the coin rejector 254, so as to maintain the coin rejector 254 deenergized whereby to prevent the acceptance of a coin which may be inserted in the coin slot before the dispenser has finished dispensing another drink. The switch 256 is biased open but is held closed until the piston lea moves upwardly to discharge a drink. The rejected coins are returned through a conventional coin return chute 386 (see Figures 3 and 7). Downward movement of the contactor 316 places the cup operated switch 390 in series circuit relationship between the power line 388 and the faucet relay 392, so that when a cup is inserted through the access door 394 (see Figure 3) and the cup is shoved against the switch operating member 39 I, so as to close the switch 3%, the solenoid 392 becomes energized so as to move the contactors 395 and 398 downwardly into their circuit closing positions. Closing of the switch at 396 closes the circuit from the power line 3&5 to the faucet motor I76, the agitator motor 52, and the water pump 94 through one or the other of the switches I84 and I36 which hold the circuit closed until the faucet motor has made one revolution, at which time the circuit is broken. The switch I84 is held closed at all times except when the faucet motor is operating, whereas switch I36 is normally open but is held closed from the beginning of the dispensing cycle when switch contactor I84 moves from the up position to the down position but does not keep the circuit closed when the contactor of switch [3% moves up at the end of the dispensing cycle.

By virtue of the above described circuit arrangement and sequence of operation of the various switches, when a coin is inserted, the faucet motor is energized and while the faucet or valve element !92 makes one revolution, the pistons H19 and Hid dispense measured quantities of carbonated water and syrup, inject low pressure water into the high pressure carbonator tank and refill the cylinders 82 and 84 with measured quantities of carbonated water and syrup to be dispensed upon insertion of a subsequent coin.

It will be observed that the dispensing apparatus shown is not only entirely automatic in its operation, but uses the energy of the incoming low pressure water and the energy of the relatively high pressure carbonated water being dispensed for operating the pistons or impellers. Also it will be noted that the valve mechanism is employed only for controlling the flow of the carbonated water, the syrup being discharged directly through the central port N8 of the discharge nozzle and thus avoiding any corrosive or gumming action on the valve faces.

While the apparatus, as shown and described, includes afully automatic coin operated machine, it is apparent that certain features of the invention may be used in a manually operated machine, in which case the main dispensing valve could be manually operated so as to produce the desired automatic operation of the pistons I!!!) and H04, so as to cause these pistons to measure predetermined quantities of syrup and carbonated water, dispense these measured quantities, and inject low pressure water into the carbonator. For purposes of illustration, the pistons I66! and IM have been shown arranged in vertical alignment, whereas these could be arranged differently, such as side by side. Likewise, reciprocating pistons have been shown, wherea other types of pistons or impellers could be used. Thus the pumping action could be performed by rotary pumps or the like insofar as certain features of the invention are concerned.

Although the preferred embodiment of the device has been described, it will be understood that within the purview of this invention various changes may be made in the form, details, proportion and arrangement of parts, the combination thereof and mode of operation, which generally stated consist in a device capable of carrying out the objects set forth, as disclosed and defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim: 1. Apparatus for dispensing beverages comprising in combination, a tank adapted to contain a supply of carbonated water, means forsupplying CO2 gas to said tank at a relatively high pressure, means for supplying relatively low pressure water to said tank, a syrup reservoir, a dispensing nozzle, pump means, connections be-- tween said pump means and said carbonated water tank and between said pump means and said syrup supply, and between said pump meansand said dispensing nozzle, said high pressure carbonated water and low pressure water cooperating to operate impeller surfaces in said pump means during a first portion of its cycle of operation to measure predetermined quantities of syrup and carbonated water and during a second portion of its cycle to discharge said measured quantities through said nozzle, means for utilizing said relatively high pressure carbonated water for operating said pump means during said first portion of its cycle, and means for utilizing V said relatively low pressure water for operating said pump means during said second portion of its cycle.

2. Apparatus for dispensing beverages comprising in combination, a tank adapted to contain a supply of relatively high pressure carbonated water, means for supplying relatively low pressure water, a reservoir adapted to contain a supply of syrup, a dispensing nozzle, pump means including a plurality of impellers and means cooperating with said impellers to form a plurality of fluid chambers, means for alternately connecting one of said chambers to said low pressure water and to said tank so as to pump low pressure water into said tank, first means includin conduit means provided with check valve means for selectively connecting one of said chambers to said syrup reservoir and to said nozzle, and second means for selectively connecting another of said chambers to either said high pressure carbonated water tank or to said dispensing nozzle, said high pressure carbonated water and low pressure water intermittently cooperating to operate said pump means through its cycles of operation, said pump means including means for injecting water from said relatively low pressure 15' water supply into said relatively high pressure carbonated Water tank as syrup from said syrup reservoir is pumped into the one of said chambers.

3'. Apparatus for dispensing beveragescompris ing a tank adapted to contain a supply of carbonated water under relatively high pressure, a syrup reservoir adapted to contain a supply of syrup, a dispensing nozzle, a pump, connections between said pump and said tank and said reservoir, and between said pump and said dispens ing nozzle, said pump having piston means op erable on its intake stroke to measure predetermined quantities of syrup and carbonated water, and on its discharge stroke to discharge saidmeasured quantities through said nozzle, saidconnections including valve means for directing said relatively high pressure carbonated water from said tank to one portion of said piston means for urging said piston means on its intake strokeand for thereafter connecting said one portion of said piston means to said dispensing nozzle so as to relieve the pressure on said one portion of saidpiston means, and means for supplying rela tively low pressure water to another portion of said piston means for urging said piston means on its discharge stroke.

4. In combination, a corbo'nating tank, a water measuring cylinder, asyrup measuring cylinder having an inlet and an outlet, 2; first piston opcrating within said water measuring cylinder, at second piston connected to operate in unison with said first piston and disposed in said syrupme'aa' uring. cylinder, 3; syrup reservoir, means connecting the: syrup reservoir to the inlet of said syrup= measuring cylinder, said last named means including. a check valve for preventing the flow of syrup from said syrup measuring cylinder to said syrup'reservoir, a beveragedispensing faucet, means for connecting the outlet of said syrup measuring: cylinder tothe outlet of said faucet, said last named meansincluding. a check valve for preventing the; return of" syrup from said faucet to said. syrup measuring-1 cylinder, meansinclucling a three way valve for conveying: the relatively high pressure carbonated water from said carbonating: tank to one: end-ofsaid water measuring cylinder so as toexerta pressure against thepiston operating therein, means fordelivering. relatively low pressure water; into the other end of. said water measuring cylinder, an outlet from said water measuring cylinder into said carbonating tank;. and acheck valve adjacent s'aid;outlet,-isaid three-way valve including means? for cutting on the supply ofsaid highpressure. carbonated water to said water measur-- ing: cylinder and for directingthe carbonated water in said water measuring cylinder to said dispensing faucet.

5. In combination; a carbonating tank; a water measuring cylinder, a=syrupmeasuring cylinder having an inlet and an outlet, a first-piston operating within said. water measuring cylinder, a second piston connected to operate in unison withsaid first piston disposed insaid syrup measuring cylinder, 2. syrup reservoir, means connectingrthesyrup reservoir to-the inlet of said syrup measuring; cylinder, said'last named means including a check-valve: for preventing the: flow of syrup: from: said syrup: measuring cylinder to said: syrup reservoir; a beverage dispensing; fail-- st,. means for connecting the: outlet" of said syrup measuring: cylinder to the" outlet of said faucet,saidilast namedmeans-including a cireck valve: for preventingtire: return or syrup: treat and: means for cutting of? the suturo'f mgrsaid faucetto said syrup measuring cylinder, means including a three way valve for conveying the relatively high pressure carbonated water from said carbonating tank to one end of said water measuring cylinder so as to exert a pres sure against the piston operating therein", means for delivering relatively low pressure water into the other end of said Water measuring cylinder, anoutlet from said Water measuring cylinder into said oarbonating tank, a check valve adjacent said outlet, said three-Way valve including means for cutting off the supply of said high pressure carbonated Water and for directing the carbonated Water in said water measuring cylin der' to the outlet of said dispensing faucet, and means for supplying G02 gas to said carbonating tank adjacent the bottom of said said last named means including a pressure regulating valve for maintaining the pressure within said carbcnating tank at a predetermined constant value.

6. In combination, a carbonating tank, a wa-" ter measuring cylinder, a syrup measuring cylinder, a first piston operating within said water measuring cylinder, a second piston connected to operate in unison with said first piston dis posed in said syrup measuring cylinder, a syrupeservoir, means connecting the syrup reservoir" to the inlet of said syrup measuring cylinder, said last named means including a checkvalve for preventing. the flow of syrup from said syrup measuring cylinder to'said syrup reservoir, a bev eragedispensing faucet, means for connecting the outlet of said syrup measuring cylinder to the outlet of said faucet, said last namedmeans including a check valve for preventing the ret'u'r-iiof syrup from said faucet to said syrup measuring cylinder, means including a three" wayvalve for conveying the relatively high pres" sure carbonated Water from said carbonatin'g tank to one end of said Watcr'nieasuring' cylinder" so as to exert a pressure against the'pistori oper"- atingtherein, means for delivering relativelylow pressure water intothe other end of said Water measuring cylinoler an outlet from said Water measuring cylinder into said carbonating tank, and a check valve adjacent said outlet, said three-Way valveincluding means for cutt'ing on the supply ofsaid" high pressur'carbom ated water and fordirect'ing the carbonated via ter'in' said Water'measurin'g cylinder to the outlet of said" faucet; saidwater measuring cylinder being. attached'tothe bottomwan ofsaid carter: ating' tank and saidsyrup measuring cylinder being attached t'o-thc bottom wall of-said-wa'te'r measuring cylinder. 7

7". In a beverage dispensing system; a carbonat'or' tank, a water measuring cylinder, at s rupmeasuring" cylinder, a syrup pistons astic within said syrup measuring cylinder, means'for supplying yru t'c: said syrup measuring cylinder, means fer delivering measured quantities of syrupfrom said syrup" measuring ym-peer, a

water piston operable within' said watermeasuring cylinder; for conveying low pressure Wa ter pistbn'in the one direction, means "for conveyinghigh pressurecarbonated water from said carbonator tank tb the other end of sa'id water measuring cylinderso astoactuatesaidwatei piston in the one direction, a dispehsing no'z'ale,

pressure water into said water measuring cylinder, said last named means serving to connect the carbonated water in said Water measuring cylinder to said dispensing nozzle whereby said low pressure Water forcefully moves said water piston in a direction to dispense the carbonated water from said water measuring cylinder through said nozzle.

8. In combination, a carbonating tank adapted to contain relatively high pressure carbonated water, a source of relatively low pressure water, a water measuring cylinder connected to said carbonating tank, piston means operable within said water measuring cylinder having a first portion projecting into said carbonating tank so as to be subjected to the pressure within said carbonating tank at all times, means for selectively subjecting a second portion of said piston to carbonated water at a pressure corresponding to the pressure within said carbonating tank or to carbonated water at a pressure corresponding to atmospheric pressure, and means for subjecting a third portion of said piston to said relatively low pressure Water source so as to cause said low pressure water to oppose the force of the carbonated water.

9. In combination, a carbonating tank adapted to contain relatively high pressure water, a water measuring cylinder arranged in alignment with said carbonating tank, means for supplying relatively low pressure water to said cylinder, piston means operable within said cylinder, means whereby a first portion of said piston is subjected to the pressure within said carbonating tank at all times, apparatu for selectively subjecting a second portion of said piston to a pressure corresponding to the pressure within said carbonating tank or to a pressure corresponding to atmospheric pressure, means for opposing said first named pressures with a pressure corresponding to the pressure of said relatively low pressure water, a dispensing nozzle, and means operable in response to movement of said piston for measuring and dispensing a predetermined quantity of syrup through said nozzle, said apparatus including a motor operated valve for controlling the supply of high pressure carbonated water to said water measuring cylinder and for controlling the dispensing of carbonated water from said water measuring cylinder to said nozzle.

10. In combination, a carbonating tank adapted to contain water at a relatively high pressure, a source of relatively low pressure water, a water measuring cylinder arranged in alignment with said corbonating tank, piston means operable within said water measuring cylinder having a first portion subjected to the pressure within said carbonating tank at all times, apparatus for selectively subjecting a second portion of said piston to a pressure corresponding to the pressure within said carbonating tank or to a pressure corresponding to atmospheric pressure, and means for opposing said first named pressures with said relatively low pressure water, a dispensing nozzle, means operable in response to movement of said piston for measuring and di pensing a predetermined quantity of syrup through said nozzle, said apparatus including a motor operated valve for controlling the supply of high pressure carbonated water to said water measuring cylinder and for controlling the dispensing of carbonated water from said water measuring cylinder to said nozzle, and means for preventing opera- 18 tion of said valve into the beverage dispensing position when the syrup supply is exhausted.

11, In combination, a storage tank for carbonated water, a carbonated water measuring chamber, means for storing syrup, a syrup measuring chamber connected to said syrup storage chamber, a carbonated beverage dispensing nozzle, means for connecting said syrup measuring chamber to said dispensing nozzle, means for connecting said carbonated water measuring chamber to said dispensing nozzle, a first piston movable within said carbonated water measuring chamber, a second piston movable within said syrup measuring chamber, means for connecting said first and second pistons for operating in unison, a source of water maintained at a pressure less than the pressure of said carbonated water, and means for subjecting a portion of one of said pistons to said low pressure water.

12. In a beverage dispenser, a carbonator tank, means forming a pumping cylinder adjacent said tank, a piston operable within said pumping cylinder and having a portion projecting into said carbonator tank, means for supplying relatively low pressure water to one portionof said pumping cylinder, said piston and said pro, jecting portion having a passage formed there: in leading from said first named portion of said cylinder to the interior of said carbonator tank, a check valve in said passage for preventing the flow or iluid from said carbonator tank to said first cylinder portion, a dispensing nozzle, and means for selectively connecting the second portion of said pumping cylinder either to the interior of said carbonator tank or to the said dispensing nozzle.

13. In combination, a carbonator tank, a first pumping cylinder attached to the bottom Wall of said carbonator tank, a second pumping cylinder attached to the bottom end of said first named pumping cylinder, a first piston arranged to reciprocate within said first cylinder, a second piston arranged to reciprocate within said second cylinder, means connecting said first and second pistons so as to cause said pistons to operate in unison, a projection on said first piston extending into said carbonator tank, said second cylinder having inlet and outlet ports, means including a check valve for connecting the lower end of said first cylinder to a supply of relatively low pressure water, said first piston and said projection having passage means formed therein for conveying water from the lower end of said first named cylinder into the upper end of said carbonator tank, a check valve adjacent the outlet of said passage including a baille for causing water flowing through said check valve to be directed radially outwardli into said carbonator tank, means for conveying relatively high pressure carbonated water from said carbonator tank into the upper end of said first named cylinder, and means for dispensing carbonated water from the upper end of said first cylinder.

14. In combination, a carbonator tank, a first pumping cylinder attached'to the bottom wall of said carbonator tank, a second pumping cylinder attached to the bottom end of said first named pumping cylinder a first piston arranged to reciprocate within said first cylinder, a sec ond piston arranged to reciprocate within said second cylinder, means connecting said first and second pistons so as to cause said pistons to operate in unison, a projection on said first pistone extending into said carbonator tank, means including a check valve for connectingthe lower end. of said first cylinder to a supply of relativelylow pressure water, said first piston and said projection having passage means formed therein for conveying water from the lower end of said firstnamed cylinder into said carbon'ator tank, acheck valve adjacent the'outlet of said passagemeans including a bafile for causing water flowing through. said check valve to be directed radially outwardly. into. said carbonator tank, means for. conveying relatively high pressure carbonated water from said carbonator tank into thelupperzend of. said first named Cylinder, and means fordispensing carbonated water from the upper end of said first cylinder, said last named means including a faucet having a valve for controlling the flow of carbonated water, said second cylinder having inlet and outlet ports, means for supplying syrup to said inlet port, and means for connecting said outlet port directly to the outlet of said faucet wherebyflthe syrupv by-passes the valve ofsaid faucet.

15.,.Apparatus for'dispensing beverages comprisinglin combination, a tank adaptedto contain a supply of relatively high pressure carbonated .water, means for supplying relatively low. pressure water, a reservoir adapted to contain a supply of syrup, a dispensing nozzle, pump means-including a, plurality of impellers and means cooperating with said impellers to form a plurality of fluid pumping chambers, means for connecting a first one of said chambers to said low pressure water, means for connecting said impellers so as to cause said impellers to move in unison at all times, conduit means including a check valve for feeding syrup from said syrup reservoir to a. second of said chambers, conduit means. including a check valve for feeding syrup from :said second chamber to said nozzle, and valve..means selectively connecting another of said chambers to either said high pressure carbonated water .tank or to said dispensing nozzle, said high pressure carbonated water and low pressurewater cooperating with said valve means so asto vary the pressure acting on said impellers and thereby produce movement of said impellers,

.716.v Apparatus for dispensing beverages comprisingin combination,. av tank adapted to containa supply of relatively high lpressurecarbonated Water, means for supplying relatively low pressure watena reservoir adapted. to contain a supply of syrup, a dispensing nozzle, pump means. including a, plurality of impellers and means cooperating with said impellersito form a plurality of fluidrc'hambers, means for connecting a firstone of said chambers to said low pressure water, first conduit means for feedingsyrup from ,saidlsyrup reservoir .to a second of said chambers, a check .valve in said first conduit meanslfor preventingreverse flow of syrup therein, second conduit means for feeding syrup from said second chamber to said nozzle, a check valve in said second conduit means for preventing the return flow of syrup from said nozzle to said second chamber, means for selectively connecting another of said 20 chambers to either said high pressure carbonated watertank or to' saiddispensing" nozzle, said pump means including means for injecting water from said'relatively low pressure water" supply into said relatively" high pressure carbonated watertank.

'17.'Apparatus for dispensing beverages comrising in combination, a tank adapted to contain a supply of relatively .high pressure carbonated water, means for supplying'rel'atively low pressure water, a. reservoir adapted to contain a supply of syrup; a dispensing nozzle; pump means including a plurality of impellers and means cooperating with said'imp'ellers to form a plurality of fluid pumping chambers, meansifor connecting one of said chambers to said low pressure water, means for connecting said' impellers so as to cause said impellers" to move in unison. at. all" times, firstmeans. for selectively connecting one of said chambers to either said syrup reservoir or tosaid nozzle, and. second means for selectively connecting another of said chambers to either said high pressure carbonated water tank or to said dispensing nozzle, said high pressure carbonated water and low pressure water adapted to vary the pressure acting on said impellers and thereby move :the: impellers through intake and discharge cycles.

18. Apparatus" for'dispensing beverages comprising in combination, a tank adapted to contain a supply of relativelyhigh pressure carbon'ated'water, means for supplying relatively low' pressurewater, aireservoir adapted'to contain a supply of syrup,. a dispensing nozzle, pump means including, a plurality "of' impellers and means: cooperating with said impellers to form a 1 plurality of fluid chambers, means for connecting one of said chambers to said. low pressure Water, means for connecting saidtimpellers so as to cause said impellersto move in unison at all, times, first means for selectively feeding'syrup' from-said reservoir to one ,of' said ichambers and for feeding syrup from said last mentioned chamber to: said nozzle, and second means for selectively connecting another of said hambers to either said high pressure carbonated water'tank OlltO said dispensing nozzle, said high pressure "carbonated water andllow pressure carbonated water cooperating with the high pressure carbonated water tank and said dispensing nozzle to vary the pressure acting on said impellers. and

thereby produce movement of said impellers; said pump means including means for injecting water from said relatively low pressure water supply into; said relatively high pressure carbonated water tank.

, HALLEY H. HAMLIN.

References Citedin' the file of this patent WUNITED. STATES PATENTS Thompson Jan. 2, 1-951 

